Economic Development and Developers in the News # 255
Econ dev news from 46 economic development executives and organizations in 31 states.
Welcome to the 255th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News.
Today's issue contains news from 46 economic development executives and organizations in 31 states.
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The Econ Dev Show is a podcast and email newsletter sharing actionable strategies, fresh news, insights, and ideas from the economic development community and your host, Dane Carlson.
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Sitehunt helps economic developers find and understand their sites, match them to projects, and respond with confidence in minutes instead of scrambling for days.
Alabama
The Mobile Chamber Board chose David Rodgers as president and CEO designate to continue major economic development and job growth.
Calera approved a new economic development district allowing mixed-use projects with shops, restaurants, hotels, and homes to attract more investment and growth.
Arkansas
Matt Martin will chair the Batesville-Independence County Economic Development Corporation, helping guide regional business growth.
California
A multistate team won national awards for creating Community Development 101, training new professionals in community and economic development, according to national recognition announcements.
Colorado
Suzanne Tegen was named director of CSU’s Center for the New Energy Economy, advancing energy transition, grid modernization, and economic development policy.
Connecticut
Connecticut’s QuantumCT initiative, backed by over $120 million in state funds, could secure $160 million federal support to turn quantum research into jobs and products.
Delaware
Milton’s Planning and Zoning Commission is updating its 10-year plan and considering new tools to attract employers and housing.
Florida
Economic Development Director Shyanne Harnage says the King’s Landing hotel developer wants six more months to close a $15 million funding gap with private investment.
Georgia
Partnership Gwinnett earned IEDC accreditation as an Accredited Economic Development Organization.
Peach County Schools earned the Georgia Department of Education’s Economic Development Partnership designation for 2026, recognizing expanded work-based learning and industry partnerships.
Idaho
The Idaho Economic Advisory Council proposed 25 communities for new Opportunity Zones tax incentives to draw investment into urban and rural areas.
Illinois
A new study finds Rebuild Illinois investments generate up to double their cost in statewide economic activity, adding billions in revenue, jobs, and infrastructure gains.
Iowa
Lee County Economic Development Group launched the Lee County 30 Under 30 program to spotlight young leaders building regional economic growth.
Bondurant and the Iowa Economic Development Authority, led by Debi Durham, added two certified industrial sites.
Louisiana
West Monroe issued an RFP for a private developer to build a two-story riverfront restaurant, boosting downtown dining and tourism potential.
Franklin Parish leaders balance automation-driven tax losses with pursuing careful, long-term economic growth plans while some residents demand faster government reform.
Maine
Madawaska gave initial approval for a town-run child care center to support economic growth and attract new industry, and officials are working to secure funding.
Maryland
Maryland’s Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund uses cannabis tax revenue to back community repair and opportunity, supporting locally driven economic development projects.
Jennifer Jones of Howard County Economic Development Authority will join partners to discuss strategies to strengthen Maryland’s talent and employer pipelines.
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Senate approved a $575 million bill to aid small businesses, housing, higher education, and set new rules for AI and cryptocurrency.
Michigan
The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission and Cornerstone Alliance, led by Jerrid Burdue, launched a regional economic development survey to guide plans.
Michigan Central named Awenate Cobbina CEO to lead its 30-acre Detroit innovation district, which has generated billions in impact and jobs.
Two Lansing Economic Development Corporation graduates started a mixed-use redevelopment, backed by Michigan Economic Development Corporation and local incentives.
Minnesota
Eden Prairie’s Economic Development Bus Tour highlighted major redevelopment, tax-increment financing plans, and new housing strategies while spotlighting key commercial and mixed-use sites.
New Jersey
Unity Bank joined the New Jersey Economic Development Authority Premier Lender Program to offer more affordable small-business financing statewide.
Ocean Wind’s trust awarded Cape May $500,000 for shoreline resilience, continuing economic development support after Ørsted’s offshore wind project ended.
New Mexico
Marcos Gonzales is leaving Bernalillo County’s Economic Development Department to lead the Middle Rio Grande Housing Collaborative and expand affordable housing efforts.
New York
Southern Tier Economic Growth launched a five-year plan targeting 3,600 jobs and $167 million in annual payroll by 2031.
Ogdensburg’s ten million dollar Downtown Revitalization Initiative invites project proposals to transform downtown; submit redevelopment ideas for consideration.
The Madison County Industrial Development Agency started a countywide survey to shape a 10-year strategy by setting clear local investment priorities.
North Carolina
Martie Butler said the county did not facilitate Digital Hamlet LP’s 403-acre purchase, which records connect to Digital Realty.
Ohio
Katie Hite joined Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development as associate director, connecting workforce, education, and business growth.
Preble County Development Partnership and Justin Sommer launched a community visioning initiative and retail study to guide long-term growth and support local businesses.
Guild Associates plans a $48 million headquarters move from Dublin to Delaware, as Nic Langford supports proposed city incentives.
Athens County Economic Development Council will stop recruiting data centers and instead focus on other long-term industry targets.
Shelby, Ohio plans eight new attainable homes using Welcome Home Ohio grants and a land bank partnership to expand affordable ownership options.
Pennsylvania
Allegheny County’s Main Streets Allegheny program is directing $1.4 million to upgrade business districts and regional marketing across 20 municipalities, boosting accessibility and revitalization.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s economic-development policy and Commerce Corporation face renewed election-year scrutiny.
South Carolina
Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program helped secure a $1.2 billion project and 490 jobs for Cherokee County’s Bailey Industrial Site.
South Dakota
Ted Smith and two other utilities detailed grid investments supporting Sioux Falls-area business growth.
Texas
Adriana Cruz said Texas’s World Cup hosting will deliver lasting benefits as the state economic-development office relocates within Austin.
Jim Walton Community Impact Award honoree Barbara Leatherwood of the Development Corporation of Snyder was recognized for leading rural recruitment and workforce partnerships.
Dave Porter is retiring from the Wilco Economic Development Partnership after leading major growth efforts, and Jordan Robinson, board chair, will lead the hiring effort to fill his shoes and to guide the next five-year strategy.
Arlington Economic Development and nearby cities are stepping up redevelopment and job training to attract businesses as open land shrinks.
Harlingen Economic Development Corporation and I-LinCP RGV are co-hosting an event to boost South Texas infrastructure and workforce partnerships.
Bryan approved a Chapter 380 deal for a 35.5-acre Boonville Road mixed-use project, with city infrastructure upgrades to prepare the site for future development.
Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, Council for South Texas Economic Progress, Mission Economic Development Corporation, and Laredo Economic Development promoted regional automotive investment advantages.
Alamo Economic Development Corporation is advancing a 17-acre commercial project to grow the tax base, recruit new businesses, and add jobs.
Utah
Utah’s Native American Summit united tribal and state leaders to address water access, economic growth, and use the 2034 Winter Olympics for business.
Virginia
Albemarle Economic Development Authority invested $20,000 with Monticello Wine Trail to offer vineyard pruning workshops supporting long-term productivity.
Washington
The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County is among groups sharing $2.8 million in county grants backing six local housing and growth projects.
Wisconsin
Jefferson County reported $12.7 million in housing investor funding, a new Financial Empowerment Center, and plans to restructure ThriveED.
Michael Welsh announced that State Representative William Penterman received the Wisconsin Economic Development Association’s top award for advancing new workforce housing and growth tools.
Watertown is launching a new Economic Development Strategy to build on its economic base and guide long-term, intentional growth through a clear planning roadmap.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation opened Small Business Technical Assistance grant applications, offering up to $200,000 to support organizations mentoring and training small businesses.
